Exclusive : PAOK Star Esiti On Super Eagles Recall, Qualities He'll Add To Team

Published: August 30, 2019

PAOK star Anderson Esiti has spoken for the first time on his recall to the Super Eagles after three years in the international wilderness.

Ahead of an international friendly against Ukraine, the combative midfielder was handed an international lifeline by Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr on Thursday because there had been uncertainty over the fitness of Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi, who was originally named to the 23-man roster.

''I'm very happy I've been called back to the national team after such a long time , I work each day for such opportunities and I'm glad I have this feat again,'' Esiti told allnigeriasoccer.com.

''I will like to thank the coach for his confidence and I promise to do my best to assist the team in a great job they have been doing in the last years.''

Esiti is not nicknamed 'The Beast' for nothing as he is officially the most physical player in the world, according to EA Sports, and he has vowed to fight for the Super Eagles.

On the qualities he'll bring to the Super Eagles, he said : ''I think it's important that I help my defence and also initiate attacks whenever I'm on the pitch and that's what I will try to do, fight and run for the team.

''I will try to win all my challenges and make the best decision with the ball in order for the team to move higher''.

Esiti started PAOK'S 3-2 victory against Slovan Bratislava in the Europe League qualifiers on Thursday, his fourth appearance in European competitions this season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel